Indian Navy concludes port visit to Mozambique, boosts defence cooperation
New Delhi, September 22. The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, wrapped up a four-day port call to Mozambique’s capital Maputo on September 19, marking another step in strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations.
During the visit from September 16 to 19, the Indian and Mozambique Navies carried out joint training exercises aimed at enhancing interoperability, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Defence. The drills included diving and firefighting operations, visit-board-search-and-seizure (VBSS) exercises, and bridge machinery control integration. Indian Navy trainees also visited the Marine Commando School in Katembe, the Sargent School in Boane, and the Army Practising School in Manhica, while Mozambique Navy personnel embarked onboard 1TS ships for joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance.
Senior Officer of 1TS, Capt Tijo K Joseph, and commanding officers of the visiting ships held courtesy meetings with Rear Admiral Eugenio Dias Da Silva Muatuca, Chief of the Mozambique Navy; Maj Gen Ezequiel Muianga, Inspector of the Armed Forces for the Defence of Mozambique (FADM); and Col Candido Jose Tirano, Commandant of Maputo Air Force Base. These engagements reflected the deepening defence partnership between New Delhi and Maputo.
The deployment also featured outreach initiatives. More than 1,000 schoolchildren visited the ships to learn about naval operations. A medical camp at Mozambique Naval Headquarters and a local hospital in Maputo provided treatment to over 100 patients, alongside awareness programmes on disease prevention, first aid, and emergency response. Joint yoga sessions and a friendly futsal match added to the spirit of camaraderie.
As the squadron sails onward to Mombasa, the visit has reinforced bilateral ties and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. The engagement also aligns with India’s wider maritime vision under MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aimed at fostering partnerships with African nations.
